Where to eat great pizza in Birmingham

Let’s kick this off in the same rational way I approach most things in life: I’m a firm believer that if you don’t like pizza there must be something seriously wrong with you.

I’m not kidding. If carbs and cheese can’t make you happy then we have nothing in common. Pizza is great to eat regardless of the season, it’s welcome and comforting after a night on the pop, it’s adaptable and it can literally be tarted up to suit everyone. Yes, even those pesky vegans.

But pizza is also so much more than a hungover Dominoes (shudder); it’s great to share with friends and it’s an affordable way to have a tasty meal. If it’s good, that is. You’d think it would be easy to find great pizza in Birmingham city centre, but until recently that hasn’t been the case. Thankfully we now have some truly excellent independents offering up top notch pizza, and I’ve picked my favourites for you. They’re each special in a different way and they’re all within walking distance of New Street Station, meaning your next pizza fix is nearer than you might think.

Step way from Strada and Zizzi’s and give one of these fantastic local pizza providers a go.

The Church

The Church, 22 Great Hampton Street, Birmingham, B18 6AQ

Sourdough pizzas are always a good idea, but when you’re also on the roof of an iconic JQ pub soaking up the summer sun they’re pretty brilliant. The Church has recently undergone a mini makeover, most notably of its menu. The soul food (which I didn’t actually rate) has been replaced with a selection of outstanding Peel & Stone pizzas. There’s some imaginative and colourful options, but my favourite remains the Tune Yard with nduja and fennel salami. At around £12-13 they’re not the cheapest, but until 5pm on week days it’s 241, so grab a pal and have a pizza party in the sunshine.

Baked in Brick

Baked in Brick, Gibb Street, The Custard Factory, Birmingham, B9 4AA

The opening of Baked in Brick’s first restaurant was hotly anticipated, to say the least. Thankfully the hype was all well deserved and the multi award-winning street food giant now has a permanent home in Digbeth. This place is serving up some of the best pizza in the city: end of. The crusts are charred to perfection and the toppings and variety showcase the creativity of Lee, the guy who sails this ship. The stripped back venue is relaxed but welcoming and the signature red mini poking through the wall is a familiar sight to regular Digbeth Dining Club fans. It’s cool, it’s casual, and it’s serving up some seriously brilliant pizzas. Big fan of the Wild Mushroom offering, although there’s some excellent meaty options. Don’t forget to check out the sides menu too, as there’s some seriously sexy stuff (smoked burrata salad anyone?) to be had alongside your pizza. Worth mentioning that during the day pizza is sold by the slice; whole pizzas are on the evening menu only.

*Full review of Baked in Brick coming soon.

Otto

Situated opposite Bloc Hotel between Jewellery Quarter and St Paul’s, Otto is run by the same folk behind the 8ft Grocer. Offering 8-10 wood fired pizzas (plus changeable specials) and a selection of sharing boards, it’s a small but perfectly formed independent set up. I loved the exposed brick and local artist artwork dotted across the walls, and the place feels quite homely. At my last visit I tried the ‘Nduja and Mushroom’ which was banging. Great crust for dipping in the divine chilli oil found on the tables, and an excellent single portion size that leaves you satisfied not stuffed. People rave about this place for good reason.

Laghi’s Deli

Laghi’s Deli, 22- 24 Islington Row, Edgbaston, B15 1LD

My love for Laghi’s Deli is deep and it’s real. I’ve eaten here numerous times, and despite loving the homemade pasta it’s the pizza that keeps me coming back. Firstly, this is the nearest dough/crust I’ve found to the pizzas I ate in Rome. Secondly, they are absolutely huge and have so many topping combinations you’ll struggle to choose what to order, but I’m a big fan of the ‘Capricciosa’ with artichokes and spicy sausage. The restaurant is small and run by a lovely family who live and breathe Italian food. On a side note, everything is made fresh and they giveaway any left over food to local charities ensuring minimal waste.

Do you have any recommendations for great pizza in Birmingham? Let me know in the comments.

Disclosure: I have no affiliation to the people and places mentioned in this post, I just really like taking myself for pizza. I paid for any food mentioned above and all opinions, photos and words are mine as always